Taki Sayama 5/21/2012 *This includes both the English and Japanese version.
Tsuruya's beginnings
After years of training at Flight School in Miyazaki, I finally was able to join Japan Airlines. Even seconds after birth, I always had a dream to soar the skies above and I wanted to join the airline company that had the highest standards of quality around the world. As I walked the steps of the Shinagawa JAL HQ, my long journey as a pilot finally began. The country that rises with the morning sun of the world, Japan. In the capitol of such country, Tokyo, the graduates of Flight School starts walking on their path at Japan Airlines HQ in Shinagawa. As one of these college graduates, along with my friends Masahiro and Mie, we started our first day and our first flights. Once we all got to our designated floor and lobby, a nice looking pilot and a chief flight attendant were talking with each other. The pilot said to us, “Oh, are you the new recruits? Hi, I'm Takasaki. Nice to meet ya!” The woman introduced herself next. “Hi, I'm Ayako. I'll be helping you all today!” Of course they had that much energy, while we had nervous breakdowns every 2 seconds. Then, a young pilot came out of the end of the hallway and started walking towards us. “Hey Takasaki, are these the new guys?” the young pilot said. “Yep, these are the new graduates. Hope they can fly today.” he said with a chuckle. Then the young pilot introduced himself to all of us. “Hey, I'm Kinoshita and I've been flying the world in one of the 777s the company has. I used to fly in the 747s before they retired though.” he announced. I wanted to fly the 747 too before it was retired. We all stood there still, although shaking on the inside we were trembling over stress. Then, Takasaki-senpai walked over to Masahiro. “You're Masahiro right? I'm now your new pilot and I'll be teaching you on advices of flying commercially”, he said. “So, who's this guy? Is he your co-pilot then?” he asked as he pointed at me. Kinoshita-senpai answered, “Guess so, his name is Kouji apparently. He failed some classes but shows some promising signs a little.” Of course he had to go through my failure records. So now, I'm with Kinoshita-senpai from now on, but he seems like a nice guy. Then Takasaki-senpai took off and said, “Well, I'm off. Masahiro, make sure you don't mess up on your first flight.” “I won't let our great name down sir.” responded Masahiro. Next, Ayako-senpai talked to Mie. “Come on, we're going too you know. Just to let you know, the things you learned in Flight School won't cut it out on actual flights, so pay real close attention to the others and learn closely. Got it?” ordered Ayako-senpai. “Yay! My first shift!” pranced Mie. She was always happy and optimistic. Mie skipped across the hallway until it was only me and Kinoshita-senpai. “Ayako always has that mood doesn't she.” he chuckled. “So, you ready?” he asked. My immediate response was “YES!!!” while I screamed with joy into the heavens. “Jeez, you have more excitement than Ayako. According to your schedule, we're flying to Osaka.”
After everything I've been through, I never have thought I would return to the new and reborn Haneda to be a pilot. I sobbed in tears of joy, I was never happier. But that moment was ruined when Kinoshita-senpai said, “Wow, you're really an airliner fan aren't you? Well, this job ain't something like the fantasies of 8 year-olds, you sure you can handle it?” I responded, “Definitely, I've trained my whole life for this!” Literally, I've trained for my entire life for flying. Anyway, Haneda Airport is the single largest airport in Japan, composing of 3 terminals and a passenger use of around 64 million which ranks it at one of the top 5 most used airports in the world. Due to that, the terminal was crammed with people going to places from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Through that, we walked all the way down to gate number 23. “Even you can fly this right?” he asked as he pointed to the new livery B777-300. “Of course, I have licenses for the 767, 777, and the new 787.” I answered. Then he said, “Wow, you're an overachiever aren't you?” I was an overachiever, just not a good one. In fact, I was a failure at flight school because they told me not to fly in your own image. After 3 years and a miracle on the final, I was able to get my license. “Then show me what you've got!” and I took that as a challenge. I also have a faint memory that my first flight being a domestic one was a bad thing. I really can't remember why though.
18:54 PM JST, February 27th 2012. The gates close as the passengers settle down in their seats. Then Kinoshita-senpai starts the safety video and announcements for the passengers. “Thank you for flying Japan Airlines, this is flight 116 to Osaka Itami Airport. I am your captain, Ichiro Kinoshita.” I was however, stuck with the ATC controls and my head cluttered with notes from flight school and pain trying to remember them again. During that pain, the pushback was able to be completed and the tower gave the route to runway 16R. “Your luck must be terrible to have a night flight as your first one.” laughed Kinoshita-senpai. “But with your training, it should be easy right?” “Of course” I answered. “I've taken night landing training from Misawa to Komatsu all the way down to Okinawa.” Yet I still gained that nervous felling as the plane approached the time of departure. Then Kinoshita-senpai told me, “If you get this over with, the nervous feeling goes completely away. But just in case, I'll do the piloting if it gets into emergency situations.” I was supposed to be assured, but I couldn't hear anything as I stopped at runway 16R. “JL116, cleared for takeoff runway 16R Altimeter 2982” said the tower.
“JL116 cleared for takeoff runway 16R.” After that, I slowly push the thrust lever forwards, unable to move anymore due to fear of what might happen next. “What are you doing???” Kinoshita-senpai raged. “You're supposed to max out the thrust after warming up the engines!” Through those barking orders, I was still in a nervous breakdown. I glued my eyes on to the front window, the speed, and the altimeter. As the speed hit 156 knots, I raise the plane up 15˚ and hope for the best. The nose gear slowly lifts off the ground as the plane skids across the runway. When the runway was finally about to run out, the main gear in the back lifts up, and I could see myself flying for the first time in the company. Kinoshita-senpai then gave the directions to go to, “So, go to Zama direction heading 210. I'll handle the rest.” I turn the plane around just like he said, to 210, and raised the gears and flaps. To my right, I can see the Tokyo skyline and the two towers that punched through the heavens in the orange glow of the eastern sunset. Even though the view was stunning, I was still in a nervous breakdown. That still continued as I passed the glorious Mt. Fuji and the prefecture of Shizuoka. “Well, you're halfway there.” said Kinoshita-senpai. I didn't care about anything. I only stared at the flight displays for the entire flight. I even forgot that the sun had already set by the time I crossed over Nagoya.
“Kouji. Get up from your trance. Hello?” said Kinoshita-senpai. I finally woke up from that with his call. “We're approaching Osaka airspace. They're most likely going to give us the approach route. Listen closely, got it?” he ordered. I was still drowsy from the hour of emotional pain. I just wanted to land and get the passengers off so I don't have to worry about their lives! “You listening?” he yelled. “I'm going to finish this senpai. Don't stop me.” I said. I was in serious mode and there was nothing anyone can do to stop me. I am the one that assures the safety of the crew, passengers, and the plane. The Jeppeson map of Itami, memorized. Scan complete on entry patterns. The plane banks to the right as the 777 cuts through the Osaka skyline. Even Kinoshita-senpai couldn't say anything after what I just said. Flaps are at 22˚, thrust level is at 61%. As I turn to the left, the tower gives straight-in clearance to runway 34L of Itami. I quickly take action with the cockpit. The 777-300 soared through the night sky like the image it was supposed to have, as a crane. Then, Kinoshita-senpai adds, “You good when you're serious. You should've been like that from the start.” “Can you stop interrupting me,” I said. “We're entering final entry, please tell the passengers.” He nodded and took the intercom. I lined up with the runway in sight, nothing could ruin the landing. Just then, another plane on the runway taking off starts spewing flames over the runway. We all panicked at the cockpit. “What happened????” stormed Kinoshita. Then an emergency call from the tower starts flooding in. [ANA 54 is in an emergency due to bird-strike. Please abort every landing.] But the plane was too close to the runway, I don't think I would have been able to lift the plane in time. Even the calm and cool Kinoshita-senpai was sweating in panic. Then, I took the liberty of lifting the plane in time. I took many training sessions like this, but this was at a much higher level. I didn't care, as an airliner fan, we all soar with passion and confidence. “What are you doing?????” he screamed. “I'll do this; even a genius copilot can't do this!” I honestly didn't care, I wanted the passengers to get out of this plane in one piece. Thrust was raised to 91%, the flaps were increased to 45˚. As the plane just barely touches the runway, the plane lifts up again. The ANA plane was getting closer by the millisecond. We couldn't do anything but to hope for the best that this plane would be high enough to miss that plane. I raised the plane as high as I could, it keeps on coming. Just then, the nose gear barely misses the tail wing of the ANA. The crew all let out a sigh of relief, a crisis was averted. Kinoshita-senpai let the passengers know that we could be late due to a bird-strike on the ground. I saw that plane go to their gate and I flew around the airport, going for the second chance. I go down the downwind pattern and line up with the runway again. I whispered in relief, “I....I did it....” “If you thought you were going to fail, then don't do it!!” he bellowed. I could tell he was angry with that, going for something that you think you'll lose at. “Good luck with the landing, that's hardest part of the flight. Although with those reaction skills you had back there, I think you'll do fine.” said Kinoshita-senpai. I follow the ILS of the runway and enter the airport grounds. The trick of landings was to raise the nose only a little to maintain slow decent, but prevent ascends in height. The altimeter hits 200, then 150, then 100. Suddenly, I take the plane and raise the nose gently. We were flying barely above the runway again. Then, I heard the sound of the main gear touch the ground. “Lower the nose!” he yelled. I did just that and the plane hits the ground hard. I take the spoilers to max and wait for the plane to slow down. Of course, too much was a bad thing. Then, Kinoshita-senpai told me, “Ok Kouji, go to C4 and were going to spot 22.” I fold in the spoilers and increase throttle to 45%. I was finally on ground and I felt safer already. The plane approached the terminal. The marshaller tells me to continue and continue. The marshaller then gives the stop signal and I stop the plane. The boarding bridges come to the fuselage. The feeling of relaxation returns as I just finished my first flight.
I wanted to meet with my friends at Kansai to see what they did and how they felt. “Kouji~” waved Mie. “Oh hey. Where did you go to?” I asked. “I went to Incheon and came back to Kansai.” she said with a smile. But that smile couldn't get me out of shock that sentence gave me. I had a domestic for a first. Then Masahiro comes along and I ask him the same thing. He answered, “Oh, I went to Hong Kong and back. I even brought some souvenirs.” “Yay!” Mie smiled. Really?! I was the only one that didn't go out of this country in life. Masahiro asks me, “You seem in a big shock. Was your first flight a domestic one?” “Yes, Tokyo to Itami.” “But I did hear you had a bird-strike problem here. That sounds fun.” he laughed. He probably heard from the ATCs in the tower. Then, Mie seemed that she remembered something. “Hey,” she asked me. “Did you remember your bet during Flight School?” Oh god no. I just remembered the truth about the bad feeling I had at Haneda. I prayed to all lords around the world, let this be over quick....
Few Months later.......
At JAL HQ once again, I was in the lonely corner chair in despair. Even the voice of Mie couldn't cheer me up after all, she's the one doing this to me. I heard from this lonely corner that she got permission from the Chairman. Why Mr. Chairman, why??? Then, Takasaki and Ayako-senpai came in. Takasaki asked, “I asked him, now what was the point of me telling him that anyway?” “That's a surprise until tomorrow!” Mie said. Yes, the worst surprise. “But why?” both Takasaki and Ayako-senpai asked. Masahiro stepped in and said “That's one thing that the young people do that no one wants to do these days.” He gave a thumbs up to the two who were looking quite confused. “You'll see what we mean on the Tokyo-New York flight, okay?” Mie said. Then the two left with a blank expression on their faces not knowing even the quarter of the story. Mie approached my face and whispered, “Please wear it, okay?” I sat down in depression for hours. I can tell even Masahiro is praying for me that I'll survive the embarrassment. The new Tokyo Sky Tree finally opened today, and with that my story ended.
Tsuruya Kouji (Main character)
Ideas (JPN)
ぼくは憧れの日本航空にやっと入ってきた。長くもぼくは赤ん坊の時から空を飛ぶのが夢で日本航空の社員は真面目だと聞くからいつもここに着たかった。今、この品川のJAL本部でぼくの夢がやっと始まった。
朝日があたたかく一日を初めてくれる日本。その国の首都、東京の品川区のJAL本部では航空大学卒業の生徒達が未来への道を歩み始める。その卒業生の中ではぼく、鶴屋光司と村谷雅広と春菜美恵の三人組が初飛行の日となった。前にはパイロットの男性とチーフパーサーのような女性がいた。「よう、新人達か？おれは高崎。雅広担当になる予定だ。」「あたしは綾子、ヨロシク〜♪」やっぱ気合い入ってる先輩達だ。通路の奥側からけっこう若いパイロットさんが歩いてきた。「おう、新人か？俺は木下、ここの７７７を４年世界を飛んできたんだ。よろしくな」と木下先輩が暖かくいってくれた。隣ではフライトアテンダントになった美恵ちゃんと違うグループに入る雅広くんが何も言わず立っていた。でもどう見てもこの三人組は中では震えてるはず。突然僕たちと同じ高さのパイロットさんが雅広くんに近づいた。「こいつ新人の雅広だろ」「ああ。お前のコパイ弟子になるみたいだよ。おれはこの光司と言うやつと一緒だがな」それを聞いて木下さんと飛ぶ事になったようだ。「じゃあ行ってくるわ。雅広、初飛行だちゃんとやれよ。」やっぱ無口で雅広くんはあの人と行ってしまった。「美恵ちゃん、わたしと付いてきて。航空大学で習った事だけじゃダメなフライトアテンダントになっちゃうわ。初フライトではお手本見せるからちゃんと従うのよ。」にこにこしながらいしょにスキップしながら去っていた。「いつも綾子はテンションあがるな。光司。」「はい？」「そろそろ俺たちも行くぜ。おまえの初飛行にな。スケジュールによれば最初は伊丹便だな。」
久しぶりにかえってくる羽田の大空港、生まれ変わって見てたら感動して涙が出てきた。「結構すごい航空ファンなんだな〜。この仕事は空想よりもっと手強いけど大丈夫か？」「あ、はい」ぼくはもうこんな所にくるなんて世界一幸せな人だとかんがえていた。もちろん、世界でも乗客量が４位になる羽田空港はいつも人ばかりで大混雑。ターミナルの中を歩き、ビッグバードの２３番ゲートに着く。「お前もこれは飛ばせる事ができるだろう？」木下先輩は新装のJALB７７７−３００にむかって言った。「あ、はい。免許は７６７，７７７，７８７も取ってますし」「へぇ〜。すげぇ〜な。普通ならそんなに頑張んなくてもいいのに。」褒められてうれしかった、実は３年続けて大学で失敗だったけど最後的には奇跡的になんか自然のように飛べて免許を取れた。なんか不安な感じ。「よぉ〜し。最初は簡単な伊丹便だな。あんたの腕前を見せてくれよ。」「あ、はい。頑張ります！」「そんなにテンパるなよ。緊張せずに、もう皆JALの社員だからな」そういえば初フライトが国内便だったらダメな事を覚えたんだけど、なんだっけ？ 18：54。ゲートが閉まり木下さんがインターコムで客にアナウンスを始める。「日本航空１１６便大阪伊丹空港行きをご利用くださいまして誠にありがとうございました。私はこのフライトのキャプテン、木下一郎と申します。」ぼくはもちろん、ATC関係で忙しくて頭が痛むほどだった。プッシュバックが完了し、滑走路１６Rに向かえと許可が着た。「初フライトで夜間フライトなんて運が悪いな〜 でもお前の腕前だったらかんたんだろ？」「もちろん、ぼくは三沢基地や小松基地で何度も夜間着陸訓練を受けましたよ。」でもやはり離陸するときが近づく度、もっと緊張する。「まあ、最初のフライトを完了するとその緊張感もすっかり飛んでゆくがな。万が一の時にはおれが操縦するけどな。」そんな安心する言葉も聞こえず、ただ１６Rで離陸許可を長い時間待ってるようだった。「JL116, cleared for takeoff runway 16R Altimeter 2982」「JL116 cleared for takeoff runway 16R」その後スラストレバーを少しずつ前にずらし、機体が走るのを待つ。「何してるんだ？エンジンが着いたら100％にしろよ。」「わ・・わかりました」木下先輩もわかっている、ぼくはすごくテンパっているのが。前の窓にずっと目を張り付け、ノット数もちゃんと数える。１５６を突き、操縦機を引いて１５°機体を上げた。そっとするとメインギアがどんどん地面からはなれ、横には夕日の東京タワーと昨日出来上がった６３４mのスカイツリーが天空にそびえていた。意識が帰る前にぼくは人生初めて７６７の離陸に成功した。
「よし、そのまま座間方面に行け。後は俺が指示するから。」指示通り座間基地方面にヘディングを２１０に設定し、後はこのドキドキが続きながら１時間半夕焼けの富士を通り過ぎるのを見失った。「静岡上空通過、半分ぐらいは着たな。」「ううぅ・・・・」もう唸りだし、このコクピットの標識だけ意識に残ってる。そんな一時間が地獄みたいでもう夕日の光が無くなったという事も気づけない。
・・・・・・・
「お〜い、光司よ〜」木下先輩の声でやっと悪夢から目覚めて意識が戻ってくる。「そろそろ大阪からアプローチ指示がくるぞ。ちゃんと聞けよ。」「は・・・はい。」「だ・か・ら、そんなに緊張するなって。寝ぼけてたら罰ゲームだぞ。」もう罰ゲームでも何でもいい、ただ着陸して客を降ろしたい！でもやっぱりそ〜ゆ〜時に気づいた、ぼくは自分ではないと。「光司？聞いてるのか？」「はい、もうここからは僕一人で終わらせます。」本気宣言のぼくにちょっとショックを受けた木下先輩。でも気にしなくていい、７６７と客の安全を保証するのはこのぼくだ。
ジェップソンの伊丹周辺マップを覚え、エントリーパターンもスキャン完了。機体を右にバンクさせ大阪のスカイラインを横切った。木下先輩も何も言えず、ただこの７６７と後ろの大阪背景のイメージを描いてみた。フラップは２２°、スラストレバーは６１％。伊丹３４Lにストレートで入れと指示が着た。「よおし、こっちにターンしその後は・・」言う事が終わる前にぼくは素早く操縦桿とスラストレバーを握り、機体のコントロールをすべてぼくのにした。思う通りに鶴のシンボルを持つ７６７を操り今、ぼくは空を舞い上がる夜光鳥の姿を現せた。「おまえ、本気出せばハンパじゃね〜な」「ちょっと静かにしてください、まもなくファイナルエントリーに入ります。」「わかった、わかった。客に教える」木下先輩がインターコムで客に知らせる間ぼくは必死で機体を滑走路に合わせる。「JL116 Runway 34L cleared for landing」「Cleared for landing Runway 34L JL116」着陸許可を得たその瞬間で目の前の航空機のエンジンが炎を溢れ出し始めた。「な、なにがあったんだ？？」「ANA54はバードストライクで緊急状態になっています。ただちに着陸を中止してください。」「了解、JL116」でもやはり滑走路に近すぎだ。冷静な木下先輩の顔にも冷や汗が流れ出し、最初のフライトで非常状態になった。「わかった、新人にはこんな事はできん！おれが」「ぼくがやります。」ぼくは何いってるんだ？！「天才の新人コパイでもこんな状況は無理！おれがやる！」先輩でも後輩のぼくはその今の混乱の中で解決法の道を飛んでいく！ぼくはこう言う状況まで訓練した。長き航空ファンとしては
「スラストレバー９１％、ギアアップ」緊張感が無くなった瞬間、操られる事が可能になった。ダウンウィンドパターンに入り滑走路の路面をスレスレに飛び、また高度を上げた。前の全日空B７７７の主尾翼をかすり、災難を避ける。クルーみんながハッと安心のため息をあげ、木下先輩は客に遅れる可能性があるのをちゃんと伝えた。あの777はちゃんとゲートに戻りこの７６７は空港の周りを飛ぶ。またファイナルダウンレッグで方向を変え、滑走路とあわせ最終の着陸準備を再び備える。「ほ・・・本当にできた」「できないと思ったらやるな！！」やっぱりダメ押しが顔を叩くようにきた〜。嵐の様なツッコミの中で滑走路に密着しなきゃいけない。こんな状況は前のバードストライクより激しいよ（汗）。フラップをまた全開に下げ、スロットルを60％、ギアダウンの状態で機体の高度を下げる。「着陸の自信はちゃんと持てよ！」「まだ怒ってる〜」台風より悪夢の環境でしかも暗い大阪に墜落しない用にすごく警戒を張らなきゃ。「着地はフライトの中でも結構難しいからな。まああんな時でいい判断をしたんだからこれや簡単だろうな」
滑走路３４LのＩＬＳを従い、そっと空港の敷地内に入る。「着陸のポイントはノーズをあんまり上げないのがコツだな。上げすぎだったらまた飛んじゃうぞ。」なにも答えずぼくは滑走路だけに集中している。高度が２００、１５０、１００と落ちていく。「今だ！４°上げろ！」「はいい！」滑走路の路面をまたスレスレに飛び、今度はメインギアが地面をかする声が聞こえた。「ノーズを下げろ！」一気に下げ、ノーズギアがガツンと地面を響く声が聞こえた。意識なしの判断でスポイラーをフルにして、急減速で客も前に傾く。「速度落としすぎにするなよ。」「命令通りにスポイラーを閉め、スロットルを45%にする。「光司、チャーリフォーで曲がれ。」「あ、はい」「たまには”はい”以外なんか言え・・・」ゲートへの道をコントロールタワーから指示され、スポット22へ向かう。「そっと、そっと。ターミナルにぶつかるなよ」速度を落としながらマーシャラーが伝えるまでに進む。そろそろだと思う、マーシャラーさんが停止シグナルを与えるのが。「は〜い、ストップ」「伊丹空港までやって来れた」安心の感情が心に静まり、やっと初飛行の完了。
やっぱみんなも初飛行で活躍したからお祝いみたいなものも何かやろうと思っていた。関空のホテルロビーで走りかかってくる美恵ちゃんがやってきた。「あ、光司く〜ん」「美・・美恵ちゃん、どこ行ってきた？」「私は仁川国際まで行って関西に帰ってきたのよ。」やっぱそれを聞いてかなり深いショックを受けたよ〜。「光司」「雅広じゃないか、もしかしてお前も海外に行ったんだろう・・・」「まあね、香港に行って帰ってきたよ。ちなみにお土産も買ってきたぜ。」「わ〜い♪」マジかよ・・・この三人組で海外人生の中で一回も行ってないのぼくだけ？「光司はなんかショック受けてるみたいだけど、初飛行は国内線？」「しかも東京−伊丹便・・」「でもバードストライクかの問題があったんだろ？結構面白いじゃねぇか。」たぶん雅広くんもＡＴＣから聞いたんだろう。「あ、思い出した。光司くん航空大学で言ったもの覚えてる？」「ゲッ、あの羽田で思い出せなかったやな予感の正体が解った・・・男としては無理なものだった。。。」
5/21/2012
*This includes both the English and Japanese version.
Tsuruya's beginnings
After years of training at Flight School in Miyazaki, I finally was able to join Japan Airlines. Even seconds after birth, I always had a dream to soar the skies above and I wanted to join the airline company that had the highest standards of quality around the world. As I walked the steps of the Shinagawa JAL HQ, my long journey as a pilot finally began.
The country that rises with the morning sun of the world, Japan. In the capitol of such country, Tokyo, the graduates of Flight School starts walking on their path at Japan Airlines HQ in Shinagawa. As one of these college graduates, along with my friends Masahiro and Mie, we started our first day and our first flights. Once we all got to our designated floor and lobby, a nice looking pilot and a chief flight attendant were talking with each other.
The pilot said to us, “Oh, are you the new recruits? Hi, I'm Takasaki. Nice to meet ya!” The woman introduced herself next.
“Hi, I'm Ayako. I'll be helping you all today!” Of course they had that much energy, while we had nervous breakdowns every 2 seconds. Then, a young pilot came out of the end of the hallway and started walking towards us.
“Hey Takasaki, are these the new guys?” the young pilot said.
“Yep, these are the new graduates. Hope they can fly today.” he said with a chuckle. Then the young pilot introduced himself to all of us.
“Hey, I'm Kinoshita and I've been flying the world in one of the 777s the company has. I used to fly in the 747s before they retired though.” he announced. I wanted to fly the 747 too before it was retired. We all stood there still, although shaking on the inside we were trembling over stress. Then, Takasaki-senpai walked over to Masahiro.
“You're Masahiro right? I'm now your new pilot and I'll be teaching you on advices of flying commercially”, he said. “So, who's this guy? Is he your co-pilot then?” he asked as he pointed at me.
Kinoshita-senpai answered, “Guess so, his name is Kouji apparently. He failed some classes but shows some promising signs a little.” Of course he had to go through my failure records. So now, I'm with Kinoshita-senpai from now on, but he seems like a nice guy.
Then Takasaki-senpai took off and said, “Well, I'm off. Masahiro, make sure you don't mess up on your first flight.”
“I won't let our great name down sir.” responded Masahiro. Next, Ayako-senpai talked to Mie.
“Come on, we're going too you know. Just to let you know, the things you learned in Flight School won't cut it out on actual flights, so pay real close attention to the others and learn closely. Got it?” ordered Ayako-senpai.
“Yay! My first shift!” pranced Mie. She was always happy and optimistic. Mie skipped across the hallway until it was only me and Kinoshita-senpai.
“Ayako always has that mood doesn't she.” he chuckled. “So, you ready?” he asked.
My immediate response was “YES!!!” while I screamed with joy into the heavens.
“Jeez, you have more excitement than Ayako. According to your schedule, we're flying to Osaka.”
After everything I've been through, I never have thought I would return to the new and reborn Haneda to be a pilot. I sobbed in tears of joy, I was never happier.
But that moment was ruined when Kinoshita-senpai said, “Wow, you're really an airliner fan aren't you? Well, this job ain't something like the fantasies of 8 year-olds, you sure you can handle it?”
I responded, “Definitely, I've trained my whole life for this!” Literally, I've trained for my entire life for flying. Anyway, Haneda Airport is the single largest airport in Japan, composing of 3 terminals and a passenger use of around 64 million which ranks it at one of the top 5 most used airports in the world. Due to that, the terminal was crammed with people going to places from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Through that, we walked all the way down to gate number 23.
“Even you can fly this right?” he asked as he pointed to the new livery B777-300.
“Of course, I have licenses for the 767, 777, and the new 787.” I answered.
Then he said, “Wow, you're an overachiever aren't you?” I was an overachiever, just not a good one. In fact, I was a failure at flight school because they told me not to fly in your own image. After 3 years and a miracle on the final, I was able to get my license.
“Then show me what you've got!” and I took that as a challenge. I also have a faint memory that my first flight being a domestic one was a bad thing. I really can't remember why though.
18:54 PM JST, February 27th 2012. The gates close as the passengers settle down in their seats. Then Kinoshita-senpai starts the safety video and announcements for the passengers.
“Thank you for flying Japan Airlines, this is flight 116 to Osaka Itami Airport. I am your captain, Ichiro Kinoshita.” I was however, stuck with the ATC controls and my head cluttered with notes from flight school and pain trying to remember them again. During that pain, the pushback was able to be completed and the tower gave the route to runway 16R.
“Your luck must be terrible to have a night flight as your first one.” laughed Kinoshita-senpai. “But with your training, it should be easy right?”
“Of course” I answered. “I've taken night landing training from Misawa to Komatsu all the way down to Okinawa.” Yet I still gained that nervous felling as the plane approached the time of departure.
Then Kinoshita-senpai told me, “If you get this over with, the nervous feeling goes completely away. But just in case, I'll do the piloting if it gets into emergency situations.” I was supposed to be assured, but I couldn't hear anything as I stopped at runway 16R. “JL116, cleared for takeoff runway 16R Altimeter 2982” said the tower.
“JL116 cleared for takeoff runway 16R.” After that, I slowly push the thrust lever forwards, unable to move anymore due to fear of what might happen next.
“What are you doing???” Kinoshita-senpai raged. “You're supposed to max out the thrust after warming up the engines!” Through those barking orders, I was still in a nervous breakdown. I glued my eyes on to the front window, the speed, and the altimeter. As the speed hit 156 knots, I raise the plane up 15˚ and hope for the best. The nose gear slowly lifts off the ground as the plane skids across the runway. When the runway was finally about to run out, the main gear in the back lifts up, and I could see myself flying for the first time in the company.
Kinoshita-senpai then gave the directions to go to, “So, go to Zama direction heading 210. I'll handle the rest.” I turn the plane around just like he said, to 210, and raised the gears and flaps. To my right, I can see the Tokyo skyline and the two towers that punched through the heavens in the orange glow of the eastern sunset. Even though the view was stunning, I was still in a nervous breakdown. That still continued as I passed the glorious Mt. Fuji and the prefecture of Shizuoka.
“Well, you're halfway there.” said Kinoshita-senpai. I didn't care about anything. I only stared at the flight displays for the entire flight. I even forgot that the sun had already set by the time I crossed over Nagoya.
“Kouji. Get up from your trance. Hello?” said Kinoshita-senpai. I finally woke up from that with his call.
“We're approaching Osaka airspace. They're most likely going to give us the approach route. Listen closely, got it?” he ordered. I was still drowsy from the hour of emotional pain. I just wanted to land and get the passengers off so I don't have to worry about their lives!
“You listening?” he yelled.
“I'm going to finish this senpai. Don't stop me.” I said. I was in serious mode and there was nothing anyone can do to stop me. I am the one that assures the safety of the crew, passengers, and the plane. The Jeppeson map of Itami, memorized. Scan complete on entry patterns. The plane banks to the right as the 777 cuts through the Osaka skyline. Even Kinoshita-senpai couldn't say anything after what I just said. Flaps are at 22˚, thrust level is at 61%. As I turn to the left, the tower gives straight-in clearance to runway 34L of Itami. I quickly take action with the cockpit. The 777-300 soared through the night sky like the image it was supposed to have, as a crane.
Then, Kinoshita-senpai adds, “You good when you're serious. You should've been like that from the start.”
“Can you stop interrupting me,” I said. “We're entering final entry, please tell the passengers.” He nodded and took the intercom. I lined up with the runway in sight, nothing could ruin the landing. Just then, another plane on the runway taking off starts spewing flames over the runway. We all panicked at the cockpit.
“What happened????” stormed Kinoshita. Then an emergency call from the tower starts flooding in.
[ANA 54 is in an emergency due to bird-strike. Please abort every landing.] But the plane was too close to the runway, I don't think I would have been able to lift the plane in time. Even the calm and cool Kinoshita-senpai was sweating in panic. Then, I took the liberty of lifting the plane in time. I took many training sessions like this, but this was at a much higher level. I didn't care, as an airliner fan, we all soar with passion and confidence.
“What are you doing?????” he screamed. “I'll do this; even a genius copilot can't do this!” I honestly didn't care, I wanted the passengers to get out of this plane in one piece. Thrust was raised to 91%, the flaps were increased to 45˚. As the plane just barely touches the runway, the plane lifts up again. The ANA plane was getting closer by the millisecond. We couldn't do anything but to hope for the best that this plane would be high enough to miss that plane. I raised the plane as high as I could, it keeps on coming. Just then, the nose gear barely misses the tail wing of the ANA. The crew all let out a sigh of relief, a crisis was averted.
Kinoshita-senpai let the passengers know that we could be late due to a bird-strike on the ground. I saw that plane go to their gate and I flew around the airport, going for the second chance. I go down the downwind pattern and line up with the runway again.
I whispered in relief, “I....I did it....”
“If you thought you were going to fail, then don't do it!!” he bellowed. I could tell he was angry with that, going for something that you think you'll lose at.
“Good luck with the landing, that's hardest part of the flight. Although with those reaction skills you had back there, I think you'll do fine.” said Kinoshita-senpai. I follow the ILS of the runway and enter the airport grounds. The trick of landings was to raise the nose only a little to maintain slow decent, but prevent ascends in height. The altimeter hits 200, then 150, then 100. Suddenly, I take the plane and raise the nose gently. We were flying barely above the runway again. Then, I heard the sound of the main gear touch the ground.
“Lower the nose!” he yelled. I did just that and the plane hits the ground hard. I take the spoilers to max and wait for the plane to slow down. Of course, too much was a bad thing.
Then, Kinoshita-senpai told me, “Ok Kouji, go to C4 and were going to spot 22.” I fold in the spoilers and increase throttle to 45%. I was finally on ground and I felt safer already. The plane approached the terminal. The marshaller tells me to continue and continue. The marshaller then gives the stop signal and I stop the plane. The boarding bridges come to the fuselage. The feeling of relaxation returns as I just finished my first flight.
I wanted to meet with my friends at Kansai to see what they did and how they felt.
“Kouji~” waved Mie.
“Oh hey. Where did you go to?” I asked.
“I went to Incheon and came back to Kansai.” she said with a smile. But that smile couldn't get me out of shock that sentence gave me. I had a domestic for a first. Then Masahiro comes along and I ask him the same thing.
He answered, “Oh, I went to Hong Kong and back. I even brought some souvenirs.”
“Yay!” Mie smiled. Really?! I was the only one that didn't go out of this country in life.
Masahiro asks me, “You seem in a big shock. Was your first flight a domestic one?”
“Yes, Tokyo to Itami.”
“But I did hear you had a bird-strike problem here. That sounds fun.” he laughed. He probably heard from the ATCs in the tower. Then, Mie seemed that she remembered something.
“Hey,” she asked me. “Did you remember your bet during Flight School?” Oh god no. I just remembered the truth about the bad feeling I had at Haneda. I prayed to all lords around the world, let this be over quick....
Few Months later.......
At JAL HQ once again, I was in the lonely corner chair in despair. Even the voice of Mie couldn't cheer me up after all, she's the one doing this to me. I heard from this lonely corner that she got permission from the Chairman. Why Mr. Chairman, why??? Then, Takasaki and Ayako-senpai came in.
Takasaki asked, “I asked him, now what was the point of me telling him that anyway?”
“That's a surprise until tomorrow!” Mie said. Yes, the worst surprise.
“But why?” both Takasaki and Ayako-senpai asked.
Masahiro stepped in and said “That's one thing that the young people do that no one wants to do these days.” He gave a thumbs up to the two who were looking quite confused.
“You'll see what we mean on the Tokyo-New York flight, okay?” Mie said. Then the two left with a blank expression on their faces not knowing even the quarter of the story.
Mie approached my face and whispered, “Please wear it, okay?” I sat down in depression for hours. I can tell even Masahiro is praying for me that I'll survive the embarrassment. The new Tokyo Sky Tree finally opened today, and with that my story ended.
Ideas (JPN)
ぼくは憧れの日本航空にやっと入ってきた。長くもぼくは赤ん坊の時から空を飛ぶのが夢で日本航空の社員は真面目だと聞くからいつもここに着たかった。今、この品川のJAL本部でぼくの夢がやっと始まった。
朝日があたたかく一日を初めてくれる日本。その国の首都、東京の品川区のJAL本部では航空大学卒業の生徒達が未来への道を歩み始める。その卒業生の中ではぼく、鶴屋光司と村谷雅広と春菜美恵の三人組が初飛行の日となった。前にはパイロットの男性とチーフパーサーのような女性がいた。「よう、新人達か？おれは高崎。雅広担当になる予定だ。」「あたしは綾子、ヨロシク〜♪」やっぱ気合い入ってる先輩達だ。通路の奥側からけっこう若いパイロットさんが歩いてきた。「おう、新人か？俺は木下、ここの７７７を４年世界を飛んできたんだ。よろしくな」と木下先輩が暖かくいってくれた。隣ではフライトアテンダントになった美恵ちゃんと違うグループに入る雅広くんが何も言わず立っていた。でもどう見てもこの三人組は中では震えてるはず。突然僕たちと同じ高さのパイロットさんが雅広くんに近づいた。「こいつ新人の雅広だろ」「ああ。お前のコパイ弟子になるみたいだよ。おれはこの光司と言うやつと一緒だがな」それを聞いて木下さんと飛ぶ事になったようだ。「じゃあ行ってくるわ。雅広、初飛行だちゃんとやれよ。」やっぱ無口で雅広くんはあの人と行ってしまった。「美恵ちゃん、わたしと付いてきて。航空大学で習った事だけじゃダメなフライトアテンダントになっちゃうわ。初フライトではお手本見せるからちゃんと従うのよ。」にこにこしながらいしょにスキップしながら去っていた。「いつも綾子はテンションあがるな。光司。」「はい？」「そろそろ俺たちも行くぜ。おまえの初飛行にな。スケジュールによれば最初は伊丹便だな。」
久しぶりにかえってくる羽田の大空港、生まれ変わって見てたら感動して涙が出てきた。「結構すごい航空ファンなんだな〜。この仕事は空想よりもっと手強いけど大丈夫か？」「あ、はい」ぼくはもうこんな所にくるなんて世界一幸せな人だとかんがえていた。もちろん、世界でも乗客量が４位になる羽田空港はいつも人ばかりで大混雑。ターミナルの中を歩き、ビッグバードの２３番ゲートに着く。「お前もこれは飛ばせる事ができるだろう？」木下先輩は新装のJALB７７７−３００にむかって言った。「あ、はい。免許は７６７，７７７，７８７も取ってますし」「へぇ〜。すげぇ〜な。普通ならそんなに頑張んなくてもいいのに。」褒められてうれしかった、実は３年続けて大学で失敗だったけど最後的には奇跡的になんか自然のように飛べて免許を取れた。なんか不安な感じ。「よぉ〜し。最初は簡単な伊丹便だな。あんたの腕前を見せてくれよ。」「あ、はい。頑張ります！」「そんなにテンパるなよ。緊張せずに、もう皆JALの社員だからな」そういえば初フライトが国内便だったらダメな事を覚えたんだけど、なんだっけ？
18：54。ゲートが閉まり木下さんがインターコムで客にアナウンスを始める。「日本航空１１６便大阪伊丹空港行きをご利用くださいまして誠にありがとうございました。私はこのフライトのキャプテン、木下一郎と申します。」ぼくはもちろん、ATC関係で忙しくて頭が痛むほどだった。プッシュバックが完了し、滑走路１６Rに向かえと許可が着た。「初フライトで夜間フライトなんて運が悪いな〜 でもお前の腕前だったらかんたんだろ？」「もちろん、ぼくは三沢基地や小松基地で何度も夜間着陸訓練を受けましたよ。」でもやはり離陸するときが近づく度、もっと緊張する。「まあ、最初のフライトを完了するとその緊張感もすっかり飛んでゆくがな。万が一の時にはおれが操縦するけどな。」そんな安心する言葉も聞こえず、ただ１６Rで離陸許可を長い時間待ってるようだった。「JL116, cleared for takeoff runway 16R Altimeter 2982」「JL116 cleared for takeoff runway 16R」その後スラストレバーを少しずつ前にずらし、機体が走るのを待つ。「何してるんだ？エンジンが着いたら100％にしろよ。」「わ・・わかりました」木下先輩もわかっている、ぼくはすごくテンパっているのが。前の窓にずっと目を張り付け、ノット数もちゃんと数える。１５６を突き、操縦機を引いて１５°機体を上げた。そっとするとメインギアがどんどん地面からはなれ、横には夕日の東京タワーと昨日出来上がった６３４mのスカイツリーが天空にそびえていた。意識が帰る前にぼくは人生初めて７６７の離陸に成功した。
「よし、そのまま座間方面に行け。後は俺が指示するから。」指示通り座間基地方面にヘディングを２１０に設定し、後はこのドキドキが続きながら１時間半夕焼けの富士を通り過ぎるのを見失った。「静岡上空通過、半分ぐらいは着たな。」「ううぅ・・・・」もう唸りだし、このコクピットの標識だけ意識に残ってる。そんな一時間が地獄みたいでもう夕日の光が無くなったという事も気づけない。
・・・・・・・
「お〜い、光司よ〜」木下先輩の声でやっと悪夢から目覚めて意識が戻ってくる。「そろそろ大阪からアプローチ指示がくるぞ。ちゃんと聞けよ。」「は・・・はい。」「だ・か・ら、そんなに緊張するなって。寝ぼけてたら罰ゲームだぞ。」もう罰ゲームでも何でもいい、ただ着陸して客を降ろしたい！でもやっぱりそ〜ゆ〜時に気づいた、ぼくは自分ではないと。「光司？聞いてるのか？」「はい、もうここからは僕一人で終わらせます。」本気宣言のぼくにちょっとショックを受けた木下先輩。でも気にしなくていい、７６７と客の安全を保証するのはこのぼくだ。
ジェップソンの伊丹周辺マップを覚え、エントリーパターンもスキャン完了。機体を右にバンクさせ大阪のスカイラインを横切った。木下先輩も何も言えず、ただこの７６７と後ろの大阪背景のイメージを描いてみた。フラップは２２°、スラストレバーは６１％。伊丹３４Lにストレートで入れと指示が着た。「よおし、こっちにターンしその後は・・」言う事が終わる前にぼくは素早く操縦桿とスラストレバーを握り、機体のコントロールをすべてぼくのにした。思う通りに鶴のシンボルを持つ７６７を操り今、ぼくは空を舞い上がる夜光鳥の姿を現せた。「おまえ、本気出せばハンパじゃね〜な」「ちょっと静かにしてください、まもなくファイナルエントリーに入ります。」「わかった、わかった。客に教える」木下先輩がインターコムで客に知らせる間ぼくは必死で機体を滑走路に合わせる。「JL116 Runway 34L cleared for landing」「Cleared for landing Runway 34L JL116」着陸許可を得たその瞬間で目の前の航空機のエンジンが炎を溢れ出し始めた。「な、なにがあったんだ？？」「ANA54はバードストライクで緊急状態になっています。ただちに着陸を中止してください。」「了解、JL116」でもやはり滑走路に近すぎだ。冷静な木下先輩の顔にも冷や汗が流れ出し、最初のフライトで非常状態になった。「わかった、新人にはこんな事はできん！おれが」「ぼくがやります。」ぼくは何いってるんだ？！「天才の新人コパイでもこんな状況は無理！おれがやる！」先輩でも後輩のぼくはその今の混乱の中で解決法の道を飛んでいく！ぼくはこう言う状況まで訓練した。長き航空ファンとしては
「スラストレバー９１％、ギアアップ」緊張感が無くなった瞬間、操られる事が可能になった。ダウンウィンドパターンに入り滑走路の路面をスレスレに飛び、また高度を上げた。前の全日空B７７７の主尾翼をかすり、災難を避ける。クルーみんながハッと安心のため息をあげ、木下先輩は客に遅れる可能性があるのをちゃんと伝えた。あの777はちゃんとゲートに戻りこの７６７は空港の周りを飛ぶ。またファイナルダウンレッグで方向を変え、滑走路とあわせ最終の着陸準備を再び備える。「ほ・・・本当にできた」「できないと思ったらやるな！！」やっぱりダメ押しが顔を叩くようにきた〜。嵐の様なツッコミの中で滑走路に密着しなきゃいけない。こんな状況は前のバードストライクより激しいよ（汗）。フラップをまた全開に下げ、スロットルを60％、ギアダウンの状態で機体の高度を下げる。「着陸の自信はちゃんと持てよ！」「まだ怒ってる〜」台風より悪夢の環境でしかも暗い大阪に墜落しない用にすごく警戒を張らなきゃ。「着地はフライトの中でも結構難しいからな。まああんな時でいい判断をしたんだからこれや簡単だろうな」
滑走路３４LのＩＬＳを従い、そっと空港の敷地内に入る。「着陸のポイントはノーズをあんまり上げないのがコツだな。上げすぎだったらまた飛んじゃうぞ。」なにも答えずぼくは滑走路だけに集中している。高度が２００、１５０、１００と落ちていく。「今だ！４°上げろ！」「はいい！」滑走路の路面をまたスレスレに飛び、今度はメインギアが地面をかする声が聞こえた。「ノーズを下げろ！」一気に下げ、ノーズギアがガツンと地面を響く声が聞こえた。意識なしの判断でスポイラーをフルにして、急減速で客も前に傾く。「速度落としすぎにするなよ。」「命令通りにスポイラーを閉め、スロットルを45%にする。「光司、チャーリフォーで曲がれ。」「あ、はい」「たまには”はい”以外なんか言え・・・」ゲートへの道をコントロールタワーから指示され、スポット22へ向かう。「そっと、そっと。ターミナルにぶつかるなよ」速度を落としながらマーシャラーが伝えるまでに進む。そろそろだと思う、マーシャラーさんが停止シグナルを与えるのが。「は〜い、ストップ」「伊丹空港までやって来れた」安心の感情が心に静まり、やっと初飛行の完了。
やっぱみんなも初飛行で活躍したからお祝いみたいなものも何かやろうと思っていた。関空のホテルロビーで走りかかってくる美恵ちゃんがやってきた。「あ、光司く〜ん」「美・・美恵ちゃん、どこ行ってきた？」「私は仁川国際まで行って関西に帰ってきたのよ。」やっぱそれを聞いてかなり深いショックを受けたよ〜。「光司」「雅広じゃないか、もしかしてお前も海外に行ったんだろう・・・」「まあね、香港に行って帰ってきたよ。ちなみにお土産も買ってきたぜ。」「わ〜い♪」マジかよ・・・この三人組で海外人生の中で一回も行ってないのぼくだけ？「光司はなんかショック受けてるみたいだけど、初飛行は国内線？」「しかも東京−伊丹便・・」「でもバードストライクかの問題があったんだろ？結構面白いじゃねぇか。」たぶん雅広くんもＡＴＣから聞いたんだろう。「あ、思い出した。光司くん航空大学で言ったもの覚えてる？」「ゲッ、あの羽田で思い出せなかったやな予感の正体が解った・・・男としては無理なものだった。。。」
数月後・・・
東京の本部でぼくは椅子で落ち込んでいた。「光司く〜ん」「話しても無理だぜ。これはもう男にとっては最悪の罰だからな。」「でも罰じゃないもん。それと社長さんから許可が出てきたんだって。」もうどうでもいい。すべてがオワタ。その時に雅広と美恵ちゃんの先輩が入ってきた。「もう何も言えないぐらいだな。」「ってこの願いの意味はなんだ？」言わないで、お願い。「ある意味があるの。二人にして〜♪」そんなイメージにしないで。「わかった・・・」雅広くんが先輩にポンと伝えた。「これは聞かない方がマシDA☆ZE」「ああ。。。。」その後、先輩達が心配な顔で逃げた。「もうメイド服買ったから〜♪着てね〜♪」「東京−ニューヨーク便で？」「そう！カワイイから〜♪」沈黙に入ったぼくはもうこの後行けるとこがない。「南無阿弥陀仏」もちろん、この話は話せないぐらいに恥ずかしかった。その事件が切り開く東京に天にそびえるスカイツリーが今日やっと開いた、そしてこの物語は閉まった。（続く？）